Can I tell you a secret? Okay, it’s not much of a secret… I love elopements! They are so much more personal and intimate than large weddings! Of course, if that’s your dream, I’m not knocking the idea of a big wedding, but there’s something so fun about a destination elopement! Just you and your hunny in a beautiful paradise… what could be better?! If you love the idea of an adventure elopement, but aren’t sure where to go, consider these 5 tips on choosing an elopement destination!
Make It Meaningful
Do you and your hunny have a spot that has a special meaning to you? Maybe a favorite vacation spot, or somewhere that you hit a milestone in your relationship? You could also consider places where you or your partner spent a lot of time as a child. Is there a city, state, or country your family has history or roots in?
Follow That Dream
If you don’t want to elope somewhere you’ve been before, consider eloping somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit! What locations are on your bucket list? This is your big day – you can go anywhere! And when I say anywhere… I mean: Greece, Italy, San Francisco, Colorado, France, London, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland… the list is endless!
‘Tis the Season
Which season do you plan to elope in? This will have a huge impact on what your elopement destination will look and feel like. For example, maybe you’ve always wanted to elope in Iceland? Well, do you want a luscious green backdrop or beautiful icy waterfalls? Planning a fall wedding, resplendent with warm tones? A tropical paradise probably won’t be for you. Depending on the time of year, certain locations will and won’t have the environment you want.
Consider the Logistics
Some elopement destinations are simply easier to get to than others – especially now, with Covid restrictions on certain locations. You’ll also want to consider if you will need a passport or visa. Finally, don’t forget that some of the most beautiful elopement destinations are difficult to get to, whether they require a long hike or are secluded and don’t allow vehicles. I’m always down for any adventure you choose to go on with your hunny!
Ask Your Photographer
As an avid traveler, I’ve gotten the chance to experience some truly breathtaking places! Let me help you and your forever person pick a place that’s beautiful, meaningful, and works for you! You can check out my Instagram to see a few of my favorite places but know I’m always down for a new adventure!
Wherever you choose to go, your elopement is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience and I wish you the best day ever! If you’d like me to come along and capture the memories, I’d be honored.
There is something undeniably magical about a summer wedding in Northern Michigan. The way the light lingers late into the evening, the shimmer of Lake Michigan at golden hour, the scent of pine and wildflowers drifting on a warm breeze—this part of the world was made for love stories. As a wedding photographer who spends summers between Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and the lakeshore, I’ve fallen head over heels for this region. If you’re dreaming of a romantic, sun-soaked celebration up north, this guide to summer wedding photography in Northern Michigan will help you choose meaningful locations, plan around the light, and create timeless images that feel like pure summer.
If you’re dreaming of a northern Michigan destination wedding, this is my photographer’s-eye view of what makes it so special, how to plan for the light and landscape, and what to know as you design an experience your guests will never forget.
There’s something quietly enchanting about Northern Michigan. The way the light softens over Lake Michigan at dusk, the whisper of birch trees in the breeze, the rolling dunes that look like they were designed for romance. It’s no wonder so many couples are drawn here for their engagement session. As a northern Michigan engagement photographer, I’ve wandered these shorelines and forest paths with countless couples, and I can tell you: when you blend this landscape with intentional planning, your engagement photos become more than pretty pictures—they become a love story you can feel.
There are some places that feel like they were built for love stories. Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan is one of those rare, cinematic settings where every corner feels like a page from a fairytale. Between the ivy-covered stone walls, manicured gardens, and soaring turrets that catch the golden northern light, a Castle Farms wedding is the kind of celebration that lingers in your memory for a lifetime.
There is something undeniably magical about winter in Northern Michigan. Fresh snow dusting the pines, the hush that falls over the lakes, the way the sky glows soft and blue just before sunset—this landscape was made for romance. If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” while snowflakes drift around you and candlelight flickers off crystal glasses, a winter wedding Northern Michigan style might be exactly what your heart is craving.
As a Lake Michigan wedding photographer, I’ve watched the light dance across the water in every season, from soft, hazy June evenings to crisp, glowing September nights. With a bit of thoughtful planning, your sunset portraits can be everything you’ve been dreaming of: romantic, timeless, and filled with genuine emotion.
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Photography by Lauren Case
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